Methods and apparatus for controlling lighting based on combination of inputs

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for lighting control based on a combination of inputs. Local inputs indicative of light levels, occupancy statuses, and environmental conditions near lighting fixtures are received, and group inputs to control the dimming state of lighting fixtures are also received. The group inputs may utilize manipulation of mains power powering lighting fixtures to indicate a dimming level. The dimming states of light sources of lighting fixtures are based on group inputs and local inputs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed generally to lighting control. Moreparticularly, various inventive methods and apparatus disclosed hereinrelate to controlling one or more properties of light output of alighting fixture based on local input (based on local sensor readings)and group input (provided to the lighting fixture and additionallighting fixtures) and/or auto-calibration of one or more sensors.

BACKGROUND

Digital lighting technologies, i.e. illumination based on semiconductorlight sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), offer a viablealternative to traditional fluorescent, HID, and incandescent lamps.Functional advantages and benefits of LEDs include high energyconversion and optical efficiency, durability, lower operating costs,and many others. Recent advances in LED technology have providedefficient and robust full-spectrum lighting sources that enable avariety of lighting effects in many applications.

In lighting systems, such as those that include LED-based light sources,it is desirable to have control over one or more light sources of thelighting system. For example, it may be desirable to have control ofwhich of a plurality of light sources are illuminated and/or to havecontrol of one or more lighting parameters of one or more of the lightsources. For example, it may be desirable to control the dimming stateof light output provided by one or more LED-based lighting fixtures.Control of the dimming state of a lighting fixture may enable energysavings by preventing over-lighting of an area illuminated by thelighting fixture during certain time periods. For example, control ofthe dimming state of a lighting fixture may enable dimming of thelighting fixture to a low light output level or a no light output levelduring time periods when users are not present near the lightingfixture. Also, for example, control of the dimming state of a lightingfixture may additionally and/or alternatively enable dimming of thelighting fixture to a lower light output level when natural daylight(alone or in combination with the light output provided by the lightingfixture) is sufficient to illuminate the area illuminated by thelighting fixture to a desired level. Control of the dimming state of alighting fixture may additionally and/or alternatively enable a highlevel of light output to be provided by the lighting fixture duringcertain time periods, such as during emergencies and/or during cleaning.

Some lighting systems utilize a group lighting controller to control thedimming state of a plurality of lighting fixtures controlled by thegroup lighting controller. For example, the group lighting controllermay receive input from a group daylight sensor and control the dimmingstate of all lighting fixtures controlled by the group lightingcontroller based on the received input. For example, in response toinput from the group daylight sensor indicating an over-lightingcondition, the group lighting controller may provide a control commandto all controlled lighting fixtures to cause the light output level ofall controlled lighting fixtures to be decreased based on the controlcommand. Also, for example, in response to input from the group daylightsensor indicating an under-lighting condition, the group lightingcontroller may provide a control command to all controlled lightingfixtures to cause the light output level of all controlled lightingfixtures to be increased based on the control command.

However, such group control of a group of lighting fixtures provides thesame control signals to all controlled lighting fixtures, therebyresulting in increases and/or decreases of the light output level of allcontrolled lighting fixtures in accordance with the control signals.Controls utilizing the mains wiring are popular for office renovation.However, the grouping of the lighting fixtures is inherentlypre-determined by the already existing mains wiring of the lightingfixtures in the ceiling. Accordingly, in response to an under-lightingcondition indicated by a group daylight sensor, a first lighting fixturelocated immediately adjacent a window and a second lighting fixture in awindow-less corner of the room may both receive the same control commandthat dictates an increase in light output levels. However, it may be thecase that an increase in a light output level at the first lightingfixture in accordance with the group control signals would result in anover-lighting condition at an area illuminated by the first lightingfixture. For example, the daylight contribution via the windowimmediately adjacent the first lighting fixture may be sufficient toachieve a desired lighting level at the area illuminated by the firstlighting fixture, and increasing the light output level of the lightingfixture would actually create an over-lighting condition. It is knownthat over-lighting is undesirable, as the lux level of the lightingdeviates from the optimal level required for specific tasks by theend-user. For instance, it is known that an optimal level for computeraided drafting work may require a lower light level than an optimallevel for work that mainly involves reading paper (not on a computer).In addition, over-lighting may result in undesired energy waste.Likewise, it may be the case that an increase in a light output level atthe second lighting fixture in accordance with the group control signalswould result in an under-lighting condition at an area illuminated bythe second lighting fixture. For example, the group daylight sensor maybe located in an area that receives more daylight than the secondlighting fixture and the increase in light output level at the secondlighting fixture based on the control commands may be insufficient toremedy the under-lighting condition at the area illuminated by thesecond lighting fixture. Individual calibration of lighting fixtures tofine-tune response to received control commands may assist in minimizingsuch issues. However, individual calibration is cumbersome and prone touser error. Moreover, such lighting systems lack the ability to enable alighting controller of an individual lighting fixture to receive bothindividual sensor input and group control input and autonomouslydetermine an appropriate dimming state based on such multiple inputs.Additional and/or alternative drawbacks of such lighting systems may bepresented.

Thus, there is a need in the art to provide methods and apparatus thatenable control of one or more properties of light output of a lightingfixture based on local input (based on local sensor readings) and groupinput (provided to the lighting fixture and additional lightingfixtures).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to lighting control. Moreparticularly, various inventive methods and apparatus disclosed hereinrelate to controlling one or more properties of light output of alighting fixture based on local input (based on local sensor readings)and group input (provided to the lighting fixture and additionallighting fixtures) and/or auto-calibration of sensors. For example, insome embodiments a lighting controller of a lighting fixture may receiveboth the local input and the group input and control a dimming level ofa light source of the lighting fixture based on comparison of the localinput and the group input. For example, the local input may be based oninput from a local sensor that is indicative of a light level near thelighting fixture and the group input may be indicative of a desiredgroup level of dimming. If the local input indicates that a second levelof dimming may be implemented at the lighting fixture that is moreaggressive than the group level of dimming, while achieving a desiredlight level near the lighting fixture, then the second level of dimmingmay be implemented.

Various embodiments of the disclosure include a lighting fixture with alocal sensor. In some embodiments the local sensor may be a daylightsensor and/or an occupancy sensor. In some embodiments the local sensormay be an environmental sensor such as an acoustic sensor, an electronicnose/smell sensor, a smoke sensor, and/or a CO₂ sensor. In someembodiments the local sensor may be an apparatus that providesinstallation context information to a controller of a lighting fixture.For example, the installation context information may provide anindication of the prevalent task performed in an area illuminated by thelighting fixture such as computer aided drafting work, reading paperdocuments, and/or reading by elderly workers (which may require a higherlight output due to weaker eyes). The installation context informationmay be preprogrammed or preconfigured in the local sensor and/or may bereceived via one or more network interfaces. For example, in someembodiments the local sensor may include a network interface (e.g.,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to enable personalized control of installation contextinformation via one or more computing devices such as a mobile computingdevice (e.g., smart phone, tablet) utilizing, for example, a localcontrol user interface such as a local control user interface describedherein.

Generally, in one aspect, a lighting system is provided and includes agroup lighting controller controlling a dimming state of a group oflighting fixtures via a group lighting controller output provided to thegroup of lighting fixtures. The group of lighting fixtures includes afirst lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture. The first lightingfixture includes: a first light source; a first lighting controller; andone of a first daylight sensor providing first sensor values indicativeof light levels near the first lighting fixture, a first occupancysensor providing first sensor values indicative of occupancy status nearthe first lighting fixture, and a first environmental sensor providingfirst sensor values indicative of environmental conditions near thefirst lighting fixture. The first lighting controller controls thedimming state of the first light source by receiving a first local inputindicative of the first sensor values and a first group input indicativeof the group lighting controller output. The first lighting controllerdetermines the dimming state of the first light source based on thefirst group input and the first local input. The second lighting fixtureincludes a second light source; a second lighting controller; and one ofa second daylight sensor providing second sensor values indicative oflight levels near the second lighting fixture, a second occupancy sensorproviding second sensor values indicative of occupancy status near thesecond lighting fixture, and a second environmental sensor providingsecond sensor values indicative of environmental conditions near thesecond lighting fixture. The second lighting controller controls thedimming state of the second light source by receiving a second localinput indicative of the second sensor values and a second group inputindicative of the group lighting controller output. The second lightingcontroller determines the dimming state of the second light source basedon the second group input and the second local input.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller controls the dimmingstate of the group of lighting fixtures via phase cutting of the grouplighting controller output.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller receives group sensorinput from one of a group daylight sensor, group occupancy sensor, andenvironmental sensor. The group lighting controller controls the dimmingstate of the group of lighting fixtures via the group lighting controloutput based on the group sensor input. In some versions of thoseembodiments, the one of the group daylight sensor, the group occupancysensor, and the environmental sensor is directly electrically coupled tothe group lighting controller. In some versions of those embodiments,the group lighting controller controls the dimming state of the group oflighting fixtures via phase cutting of the group lighting controlleroutput. In some versions of those embodiments, the group lightingcontroller output includes power line communication and the grouplighting controller controls the power line communication. In some ofthose versions, the power line communication utilizes a digital loadline transmission protocol. In some of those versions, the grouplighting controller output is provided over at least one line of anoutput voltage provided to the first lighting fixture and the secondlighting fixture and the group lighting controller output is generatedvia the group lighting controller causing switching of a transformer inseries with the at least one line of the output voltage during aplurality of cycle periods of the output voltage that causes one of avoltage drop and a voltage rise in the output voltage to encode a datapacket in the output voltage. In some versions of those embodiments, thegroup lighting controller controls the dimming state of the group oflighting fixtures via group commands that include symbol tags and aresent via the group lighting controller output. In some of thoseversions, the first lighting controller and the second lightingcontroller each include a symbol tag interpreter that receives andinterprets the symbol tags.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller includes an occupancysensor, the first lighting fixture includes the first daylight sensor,and the second lighting fixture includes the second daylight sensor.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller includes a daylightsensor, the first lighting fixture includes the first occupancy sensor,and the second lighting fixture includes the second occupancy sensor.

In some embodiments, the first local input consists of the first sensorvalues.

In some embodiments, the first lighting controller controls the dimmingstate of the first light source based on the first local input when thefirst local input is indicative of a dimming level that produces lesslight from the light source than the dimming level indicated by thefirst group input.

In some embodiments, the first lighting controller controls the dimmingstate of the first light source based on the first local input when thefirst local input is indicative of a dimming level that produces morelight from the light source than the dimming level indicated by thefirst group input.

In some embodiments, the system further includes: a third lightingfixture of the group of lighting fixtures. The third lighting fixtureincludes: a third light source, and a third lighting controllercontrolling the dimming state of the third light source based on a thirdgroup input indicative of the group lighting controller output. Thecontrolling is independent of any local sensor.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a third lightingfixture of the group of lighting fixtures. The third lighting fixtureincludes a third light source, a third local sensor providing localsensor values, and a third lighting controller controlling the dimmingstate of the third light source based on a third local input indicativeof the third local sensor values. The controlling is independent of thegroup lighting controller output. In some versions of those embodiments,the third lighting fixture is a lighting fixture installed in one of acorridor and an emergency exit.

In some embodiments, the first lighting fixture includes the firstdaylight sensor and is operable in an auto-calibration state. During theauto-calibration state the lighting controller maintains the dimmingstate of the first light source at an auto-calibration level, anddetermines a desired light level near the first lighting fixture. Thedesired light level is utilized in the determination of the dimmingstate of the first light source. In some versions of those embodiments,during the auto-calibration state, the lighting controller determines aminimum first local input value from the first local input over a timeperiod, and determines the desired light level based on the minimumfirst local input value, where the minimum first local input value isindicative of a minimum light level indicated by the first sensorvalues. In some of those versions, the time period is at least twelvehours. In some versions of those embodiments, during theauto-calibration state, the lighting controller determines a first localinput value from the first local input at one or more times likely tohave no natural light and determines the desired light level based onthe first local input value. In some versions of those embodiments, theauto-calibration level is a full light output level.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller output is providedover mains wiring supplying power to the first lighting fixture and thesecond lighting fixture.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller output is providedover DC wiring supplying power to the first lighting fixture and thesecond lighting fixture.

Generally, in another aspect, a lighting fixture is provided andincludes: a light source; a first input electrically connectable to oneof a daylight sensor providing sensor values indicative of light levelsnear the lighting fixture, an occupancy sensor providing sensor valuesindicative of occupancy status near the lighting fixture, and anenvironmental sensor providing sensor values indicative of environmentalconditions near the lighting fixture; a second input electricallyconnectable to a group lighting controller output; a memory; a lightingcontroller controlling the dimming state of the light source, where thelighting controller is operable to execute instructions, stored in thememory, including instructions to perform the operations of: receivinglocal input via the first input, the local input indicative of thesensor values; receiving group input via the second input, the groupinput indicative of the group lighting controller output, wherein thegroup lighting controller output utilizes phase cutting to indicate adimming level to control the dimming state of the lighting fixture andat least one additional lighting fixture; and determining the dimmingstate of the light source based on the group input and the local input.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture includes the daylight sensorand wherein the group lighting controller output is responsive to agroup occupancy sensor.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture includes the occupancy sensorand wherein the group lighting controller output is responsive to agroup daylight sensor.

In some embodiments, the local input consists of the sensor values.

In some embodiments, the memory includes an expected lux level for thelighting fixture. In some versions of those embodiments, the lightingcontroller utilizes the expected lux level in auto-calibration of thelighting fixture. In some versions of those embodiments, the expectedlux level is adjustable via late stage configuration of the lightingcontroller.

In some embodiments, the lighting controller controls the dimming stateof the light source based on the local input when the local input isindicative of a dimming level that produces less light from the lightsource than the dimming level indicated by the group input.

In some embodiments, the lighting controller controls the dimming stateof the light source based on the local input when the local input isindicative of a dimming level that produces more light from the lightsource than the dimming level indicated by the group input. In someversions of those embodiments, the lighting fixture is an architecturallighting fixture.

In some embodiments, the lighting fixture includes the daylight sensorand is operable in an auto-calibration state, during theauto-calibration state the lighting controller maintaining the dimmingstate of the light source at an auto-calibration level and determining adesired light level near the lighting fixture, the desired light levelutilized in the determination of the dimming state of the lightingfixture. In some versions of those embodiments, during theauto-calibration state, the lighting controller determines a minimumlocal input value from the local input over a time period and determinesthe desired light level based on the minimum local input value, theminimum local input value indicative of a minimum light level indicatedby the sensor values. In some of those versions, the time period is atleast twelve hours. In some of those versions, the time period is atleast twenty-four hours. In some versions of those embodiments, duringthe auto-calibration state, the lighting controller determines a firstlocal input value from the local input at one or more times likely tohave no natural light and determines the desired light level based onthe first local input value. In some versions of those embodiments, theauto-calibration level is a full light output level. In some versions ofthose embodiments, the auto-calibration level is a reduced light outputlevel. In some of those versions, the lighting controller determines thereduced light output level and provides the reduced light output levelto the daylight sensor. In some of those versions, the lighting sensorautonomously determines the reduced light output level.

In some embodiments, the group input is provided over mains wiringsupplying power to the lighting fixture.

Generally, in another aspect, a method of adjusting lighting at alighting fixture based on a local input and a global input is providedand includes the steps of: receiving local input indicative of one oflight levels near a lighting fixture, occupancy status near the lightingfixture, and environmental conditions near the lighting fixture;receiving group input, the group input utilizing manipulation of mainspower powering the lighting fixture to indicate a dimming level tocontrol the dimming state of the lighting fixture and at least oneadditional lighting fixture; and determining the dimming state of alight source of the lighting fixture based on the group input and thelocal input.

In some embodiments, the local input is indicative of light levels nearthe lighting fixture and wherein the group input is responsive to agroup occupancy sensor.

In some embodiments, the local input is indicative of occupancy statusnear the lighting fixture and wherein the group input is responsive to agroup daylight sensor.

In some embodiments, the local input consists of sensor values receivedfrom at least one of a daylight sensor and an occupancy sensor.

In some embodiments, the dimming state of the light source is controlledbased on the local input when the local input is indicative of a dimminglevel that produces less light from the light source than the dimminglevel indicated by the group input.

In some embodiments, the dimming state of the light source is controlledbased on the local input when the local input is indicative of a dimminglevel that produces more light from the light source than the dimminglevel indicated by the group input.

In some embodiments, the local input is indicative of light levels nearthe lighting fixture and the method further includes, during anauto-calibration state, the step of maintaining the dimming state of thelight source at an auto-calibration level and determining a desiredlight level near the lighting fixture, the desired light level utilizedin the determining the dimming state of the light source. In someversions of those embodiments, the method further includes, during theauto-calibration state, the step of determining a minimum local inputvalue from the local input over a time period; and the step ofdetermining the desired light level based on the minimum first localinput value, the minimum first local input value indicative of a minimumlight level indicated by the first sensor values. In some of thoseversions, the time period is at least twelve hours. In some versions ofthose embodiments, the method further includes during theauto-calibration state, the step of determining a first local inputvalue from the first local input at one or more times likely to have nonatural light and the step of determining the desired light level basedon the first local input value.

In some versions of those embodiments, the auto-calibration level is afull light output level.

In some embodiments, the manipulation of the mains power includesphase-cutting of the mains power.

Generally, in another aspect, a method of adjusting lighting is providedand includes the steps of: receiving first local input at a firstlighting fixture, the first local input indicative of one of lightlevels near the first lighting fixture, occupancy status near the firstlighting fixture, and environmental conditions near the first lightingfixture; receiving group input at the first lighting fixture, the groupinput indicating a dimming level to control the dimming state of thefirst lighting fixture and the dimming state of the second lightingfixture; determining the dimming state of a first light source of thefirst lighting fixture based on the group input and the first localinput; receiving second local input at a second lighting fixture, thesecond local input indicative of one of light levels near the secondlighting fixture, occupancy status near the second lighting fixture, andenvironmental conditions near the second lighting fixture; receiving thegroup input at the second lighting fixture; and determining the dimmingstate of a second light source of the second lighting fixture based onthe group input and the second local input.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining, at afirst time, that the first local input is indicative of a dimming levelthat produces less light from the first light source than the dimminglevel indicated by the group input; and controlling the dimming state ofthe first light source based on the first local input. In some versionsof those embodiments, the method further includes: determining, at thefirst time, the second local input is indicative of a dimming level thatproduces more light from the second light source than the dimming levelindicated by the group input, and controlling the dimming state of thesecond light source based on the group input. In some versions of thoseembodiments, the method further includes: determining, at the firsttime, the second local input is indicative of a dimming level thatproduces less light from the second light source than the dimming levelindicated by the group input; and controlling the dimming state of thesecond light source based on the second local input. In some of thoseversions, the dimming state of the first light source based on the firstlocal input is unique from the dimming state of the second light sourcebased on the second local input.

Generally, in another aspect, a lighting system is provided andincludes: a first lighting fixture having a dimmable first light source;a first controller in electrical communication with the first lightsource, wherein the first controller: receives first local input, thefirst local input indicative of one of light levels near the firstlighting fixture, occupancy status near the first lighting fixture, andenvironmental conditions near the first lighting fixture, receives groupinput indicating a dimming level, and determines the dimming state of afirst light source of the first lighting fixture based on the groupinput and the first local input; a second lighting fixture having adimmable second light source; and a second controller in electricalcommunication with the second light source, wherein the secondcontroller: receives second local input, the second local inputindicative of one of light levels near the second lighting fixture,occupancy status near the second lighting fixture, and environmentalconditions near the second lighting fixture, receives the group input atthe second lighting fixture, and determines the dimming state of asecond light source of the second lighting fixture based on the groupinput and the second local input.

Other embodiments may include a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing instructions executable by a processor to perform amethod such as one or more of the methods described herein. Yet otherembodiments may include a system including memory and one or moreprocessors operable to execute instructions, stored in the memory, toperform a method such as one or more of the methods described herein.

As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED”should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or othertype of carrier injection/junction-based system that is capable ofgenerating radiation in response to an electric signal and/or acting asa photodiode. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to,various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response tocurrent, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs),electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LEDrefers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductorand organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generateradiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum,and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally includingradiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to,various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs,green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs(discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs maybe configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having variousbandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a givenspectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety ofdominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.

For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generateessentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dieswhich respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that,in combination, mix to form essentially white light. In anotherimplementation, a white light LED may be associated with a phosphormaterial that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum to adifferent second spectrum. In one example of this implementation,electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrowbandwidth spectrum “pumps” the phosphor material, which in turn radiateslonger wavelength radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.

It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit thephysical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, asdiscussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting devicehaving multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit differentspectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individuallycontrollable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that isconsidered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of whiteLEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packagedLEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs,radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type ofencasement and/or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.

The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or moreof a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to,LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above). A givenlight source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiationwithin the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or acombination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are usedinterchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as anintegral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, orother optical components. Also, it should be understood that lightsources may be configured for a variety of applications, including, butnot limited to, indication, display, and/or illumination. An“illumination source” is a light source that is particularly configuredto generate radiation having a sufficient intensity to effectivelyilluminate an interior or exterior space. In this context, “sufficientintensity” refers to sufficient radiant power in the visible spectrumgenerated in the space or environment (the unit “lumens” often isemployed to represent the total light output from a light source in alldirections, in terms of radiant power or “luminous flux”) to provideambient illumination (i.e., light that may be perceived indirectly andthat may be, for example, reflected off of one or more of a variety ofintervening surfaces before being perceived in whole or in part).

The term “spectrum” should be understood to refer to any one or morefrequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more lightsources. Accordingly, the term “spectrum” refers to frequencies (orwavelengths) not only in the visible range, but also frequencies (orwavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet, and other areas of theoverall electromagnetic spectrum. Also, a given spectrum may have arelatively narrow bandwidth (e.g., a FWHM having essentially fewfrequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth(several frequency or wavelength components having various relativestrengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may bethe result of a mixing of two or more other spectra (e.g., mixingradiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources).

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is usedinterchangeably with the term “spectrum.” However, the term “color”generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that isperceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limitthe scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors”implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelengthcomponents and/or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that theterm “color” may be used in connection with both white and non-whitelight.

The term “lighting fixture” is used herein to refer to an implementationor arrangement of one or more lighting units in a particular formfactor, assembly, or package. The term “lighting unit” is used herein torefer to an apparatus including one or more light sources of same ordifferent types. A given lighting unit may have any one of a variety ofmounting arrangements for the light source(s), enclosure/housingarrangements and shapes, and/or electrical and mechanical connectionconfigurations. Additionally, a given lighting unit optionally may beassociated with (e.g., include, be coupled to and/or packaged togetherwith) various other components (e.g., control circuitry) relating to theoperation of the light source(s). An “LED-based lighting unit” refers toa lighting unit that includes one or more LED-based light sources asdiscussed above, alone or in combination with other non LED-based lightsources. A “multi-channel” lighting unit refers to an LED-based or nonLED-based lighting unit that includes at least two light sourcesconfigured to respectively generate different spectrums of radiation,wherein each different source spectrum may be referred to as a “channel”of the multi-channel lighting unit.

The term “controller” is used herein generally to describe variousapparatus relating to the operation of one or more light sources. Acontroller can be implemented in numerous ways (e.g., such as withdedicated hardware) to perform various functions discussed herein. A“processor” is one example of a controller which employs one or moremicroprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode)to perform various functions discussed herein. A controller may beimplemented with or without employing a processor, and also may beimplemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform somefunctions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessorsand associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples ofcontroller components that may be employed in various embodiments of thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventionalmicroprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), andfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, a processor or controller may be associatedwith one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as“memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM,PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks,magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media may beencoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or moreprocessors and/or controllers, perform at least some of the functionsdiscussed herein. Various storage media may be fixed within a processoror controller or may be transportable, such that the one or moreprograms stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller soas to implement various aspects of the present invention discussedherein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in ageneric sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software ormicrocode) that can be employed to program one or more processors orcontrollers.

In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to a networkmay serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to thenetwork (e.g., in a master/slave relationship). In anotherimplementation, a networked environment may include one or morededicated controllers that are configured to control one or more of thedevices coupled to the network. Generally, multiple devices coupled tothe network each may have access to data that is present on thecommunications medium or media; however, a given device may be“addressable” in that it is configured to selectively exchange data with(i.e., receive data from and/or transmit data to) the network, based,for example, on one or more particular identifiers (e.g., “addresses”)assigned to it.

The term “network” as used herein refers to any interconnection of twoor more devices (including controllers or processors) that facilitatesthe transport of information (e.g. for device control, data storage,data exchange, etc.) between any two or more devices and/or amongmultiple devices coupled to the network. As should be readilyappreciated, various implementations of networks suitable forinterconnecting multiple devices may include any of a variety of networktopologies and employ any of a variety of communication protocols.Additionally, in various networks according to the present disclosure,any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicatedconnection between the two systems, or alternatively a non-dedicatedconnection. In addition to carrying information intended for the twodevices, such a non-dedicated connection may carry information notnecessarily intended for either of the two devices (e.g., an opennetwork connection). Furthermore, it should be readily appreciated thatvarious networks of devices as discussed herein may employ one or morewireless, wire/cable, and/or fiber optic links to facilitate informationtransport throughout the network.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a LED-basedlighting system having a group lighting controller and three lightingfixtures.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one of the lighting fixtures ofFIG. 1

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of adjusting lighting at a lightingfixture based on a local input and a global input.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of determiningwhether to control the dimming state of a local light source based onthe local input and/or the group input.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of auto-calibratinga lighting fixture to determine a desired light level for the lightingfixture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of utilizing aconfiguration tool to implement configuration commands.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In lighting systems, it is desirable to have control over one or morelighting fixtures of the lighting system. For example, it may bedesirable to have control of which of a plurality of lighting fixturesare illuminated and/or to have control of one or more lightingparameters of one or more of the lighting fixtures. For example, it maybe desirable to control the dimming state of light output provided byone or more LED-based lighting fixtures. Control of the dimming state ofa lighting fixture may enable energy savings by preventing over-lightingof an area illuminated by the lighting fixture during certain timeperiods. Control of the dimming state of the lighting fixture may alsobe desirable for tuning the light output level of a lighting fixture tothe task performed in the area illuminated by the lighting fixture. Forexample, a row of desks for computer aided drafting work may require alower light level than an adjacent row of desks mostly user for readingpaper documents.

Some lighting systems utilize a group lighting controller to control thedimming state of a plurality of lighting fixtures controlled by thegroup lighting controller. Such group control presents one or moredrawbacks such as over-lighting and/or under-lighting by one or morelighting fixtures. Individual calibration of lighting fixtures mayassist in minimizing such issues, but is cumbersome and prone to usererror. Moreover, a single lighting fixture cannot control its dimmingstate based on both group input and local input. Additional and/oralternative drawbacks of such lighting systems may be presented. Forexample, in some lighting systems it is not possible to create lightingfixture “islands”, each with different response curves for daylightharvesting. For example, it is not possible to have one row of deskswith an optimized daylight harvesting response curve for computer aideddrafting work and another row of desks with an optimized daylightharvesting response curve for reading or elderly workers. Also, forexample, it may not be possible to have functional general lightingfixtures and architectural lighting fixtures (e.g., accent lighting ontoan architectural feature) on the same mains wiring and/or group controlsince, for general lighting fixtures it may be desirable to reduce theartificial lighting level with increasing daylight, while with thearchitectural lighting it may be desirable to increase the lightinglevel with increasing daylight. Also, for example, in some lightingsystems it may not be possible to create separate groups of emergencylighting fixtures (e.g., those located adjacent emergency exits), whichalways remain at full light output and disregard group dimming commands.In addition, the lack of granularity of some lighting systems results inenergy waste due to over lighting, as the maximum achievable daylightharvesting level may be determined by the lighting fixture locationrequiring the weakest dimming response.

Thus, Applicants have recognized and appreciated a need in the art toprovide methods and apparatus that enable control of one or moreproperties of light output of a lighting fixture based on local inputand group input and that optionally overcome one or more drawbacks ofexisting apparatus and/or methods.

In view of the foregoing, various embodiments and implementations of thepresent invention are directed to lighting control based on acombination of inputs.

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation andnot limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific detailsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of theclaimed invention. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinaryskill in the art having had the benefit of the present disclosure thatother embodiments according to the present teachings that depart fromthe specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-known apparatus andmethods may be omitted so as to not obscure the description of therepresentative embodiments. Such methods and apparatus are clearlywithin the scope of the claimed invention. For example, aspects of themethods and apparatus disclosed herein are described in conjunction witha lighting system having only LED-based light sources. However, one ormore aspects of the methods and apparatus described herein may beimplemented in other lighting systems that additionally and/oralternatively include other non-LED light sources. Implementation of theone or more aspects described herein in alternatively configuredenvironments is contemplated without deviating from the scope or spiritof the claimed invention. Also, for example, aspects of the methods andapparatus disclosed herein are described in conjunction with certainembodiments of a group lighting controller. However, one or more aspectsof the methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented inother lighting systems that may include group lighting controllersproviding additional and/or alternative functionality beyond thatdescribed herein in conjunction with the embodiments of the grouplighting controller.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a LED-basedlighting system 100 having a group lighting controller 110, a firstlighting fixture 120A, a second lighting fixture 120B, and a thirdlighting fixture 120C. In some embodiments the group lighting controller110 provides a group lighting controller output over wiring 115. Thewiring 115 is coupled to the first lighting fixture 120A via a firstgroup connection 131A, coupled to the second lighting fixture 120B via asecond group connection 131B, and coupled to the third lighting fixture120C via a third group connection 131C. The group lighting controlleroutput provided over wiring 115 may at least selectively include grouplighting control commands that are provided to all of the lightingfixtures 120A-C. Group lighting control commands are not individuallytailored to the individual lighting fixtures 132A-C, but, instead,indicate a single desired lighting control state that each lightingfixture 120A-C may individually process as described herein.

In some embodiments the wiring 115 comprises mains wiring that alsosupplies power to the lighting fixtures 120A-C. Provided power mayinclude, for example, 120 Volts AC, 277 Volts AC, 230 Volts AC, and/orDC power such as solar power and/or the Emerge distribution standard. Insome versions of those embodiments the group lighting control commandsmay be sent to the lighting fixtures 120A-C via a digital load lineuni-directional communication provided via wiring 115 to the lightingfixtures 120A-C. In some other versions of those embodiments the grouplighting control commands may be sent via phase-cutting of the powerwave form provided via wiring 115 to the lighting fixtures 120A-C. Forexample, the wiring 115 may include three-wires and the group lightingcontroller 110 may utilize three-wire analog phase-cut dimming toprovide group dimming commands via the wiring 115. Also, for example,the wiring 115 may include two-wires and the group lighting controller110 may utilize two-wire analog phase-cut dimming to provide groupdimming commands via the wiring 115. In some versions of the embodimentsthat utilize phase-cut dimming, the group lighting controller 110 mayreceive input, such as input from one or more sensors such as a groupoccupancy sensor or a group daylight sensor. In some versions of theembodiments that utilize phase-cut dimming, the group lightingcontroller 110 may receive input from a dimmer user interface such as awall-mounted dimmer user interface utilizing a dimmer slide, atouch-screen, and/or other user interface element. In some versions ofthe embodiments that utilize phase-cut dimming, the group lightingcontroller 110 may include an interface to a building control system.The group lighting controller 110 may provide the same and/oralternative phase-cut dimming to additional mains-wiring switch legsthat power additional lighting fixtures beyond lighting fixtures 120A-Cdepicted herein. In some embodiments one or more of such additionallighting fixtures may additionally receive a local input and adjustlighting at the lighting fixture responsive to the local input and thegroup input provided via the group lighting controller 110. In someembodiments, the wiring 115 may include two wires and the group lightingcontroller 110 may utilize two wire Digital Load Line transmission (DLT)control to provide group dimming commands via the wiring 115.

In some embodiments, group lighting controller 110 may utilize aunidirectional communication protocol with low data rates to providegroup lighting control commands via wiring 115 that also supplies powerto the lighting fixtures 120A-C. For example, one or more aspects of thetechniques described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2013/0141015 may be utilized, which may provide group lighting controlcommands that may optionally be received and/or decoded using standardhardware already available in modern lamps. One possible implementationform for such technology is for street lighting. In the case of streetlighting, group lighting control commands may be transmitted from afeeder pillar or street cabinet to a plurality of street lightingfixtures via altering the output voltage transmitted to the streetlighting fixtures through switching of a transformer connected to theoutput voltage. Data may be received at a street lighting fixture viareceiving an encoded output voltage and comparing the voltage level of aplurality of sine cycle periods of the output voltage to determine anincoming data packet. A local sensor such as an additional daylight,occupancy, or environmental sensor can be added to each of one or moreof the street lighting fixtures and utilized in combination with thegroup lighting control commands as described herein.

In some embodiments the wiring 115 comprises wiring that is distinctfrom the mains wiring that supplies power to the lighting fixtures120A-C. In some versions of those embodiments group lighting controlleroutput may be sent via analog signal dimming over the distinct wiring.In some other versions of those embodiments the group lightingcontroller output may be sent via digital signal dimming. For example,some embodiments may utilize the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface(DALI) protocol and/or other digital protocol. Some embodiments mayinclude CAT5 or CAT6 low-voltage wiring, wherein the data and power caneither share the same strand or use separate strands within the sameCAT5 or CAT6 wiring. Embodiments that utilize wiring that is distinctfrom the mains wiring that supplies power to the lighting fixtures120A-C may utilize one or more individual wires to provide grouplighting controller output to the lighting fixtures 120A-C. In someversions of the embodiments that utilize wiring that is distinct fromthe mains wiring, the group lighting controller output may at leastselectively include group lighting control commands that are directed toall of the lighting fixtures 120A-C. In some versions of the embodimentsthat utilize wiring that is distinct from the mains wiring, the grouplighting controller output may additionally and/or alternatively includeindividual lighting control commands that are individually addressed toindividual of the lighting fixtures 120A-C. In some versions of theembodiments that utilize wiring that is distinct from the mains wiringthat supplies power to the lighting fixtures, the group lightingcontroller 110 may receive input, such as input from one or more sensorssuch as a group occupancy sensor or a group daylight sensor. In someversions of the embodiments that utilize wiring that is distinct fromthe mains wiring that supplies power to the lighting fixtures 120A-C,the group lighting controller 110 may receive input from a dimmer userinterface such as a wall-mounted dimmer user interface utilizing adimmer slide, a touch-screen, and/or other user interface element suchas a computing device (e.g., a tablet, a smart phone). In some versionsof the embodiments that utilize wiring that is distinct from the mainswiring that supplies power to the lighting fixtures 120A-C, the grouplighting controller 110 may include a building control system. The grouplighting controller 110 may provide the same and/or alternative grouplighting controller output to additional lighting fixtures beyondlighting fixtures 120A-C depicted herein. In some embodiments one ormore of such additional lighting fixtures may additionally receive alocal input and adjust lighting at the lighting fixture responsive tothe local input and the group input provided via the group lightingcontroller 110.

In some embodiments, wiring 115 is omitted and the group lightingcontrol commands are provided wirelessly. For example, in someembodiments the group lighting control commands may be provided tolighting fixtures 120A-C via radio-frequency (RF) communicationsutilizing one or more protocols such as Zigbee and/or EnOcean. Also, forexample, the group lighting control commands may also be sent from asmart phone utilizing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or other protocol (e.g., anoverride lighting control command that triggers an emergency mode or acleaning mode (light full on)). Lighting controllers of the lightingfixtures 120A-C may include or be coupled to wireless communicationinterfaces to enable receipt of any RF communications. In some versionsof the embodiments that utilize wireless communications, the grouplighting controller output may at least selectively include grouplighting control commands that are directed to all of the lightingfixtures 120A-C. In some versions of the embodiments that utilizewireless communications, the group lighting controller output mayadditionally and/or alternatively include individual lighting controlcommands that are individually addressed to individual of the lightingfixtures 120A-C.

As discussed herein, in some embodiments the group lighting controller110 may be a building control system. Building control systems mayutilize one or more automatically determined parameters, user-specifiedparameters, and/or sensor-based parameters in determining group lightingcontrol commands to send to a group of lighting fixtures, such aslighting fixtures 120A-C. Lighting fixtures controlled by a buildingcontrol system may include lighting fixtures in just some parts of abuilding and/or in all parts of a building.

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller 110 may providelighting control commands based on a scene-setting input. For example,in some embodiments a scene-setting input may be automatically and/ormanually received (e.g., via a user interface element) to requestlighting fixtures to provide light output in accordance with a desiredscene. For example, a first “working-hours” scene-setting input mayresult in group lighting controller 110 providing lighting controlcommands to request lighting fixtures 120A-C provide light output at awork output level (e.g., a full output level). Also, for example, asecond “non-working hours” scene-setting input may result in grouplighting controller 110 providing lighting control commands to requestlighting fixtures 120A-C provide light output at a non-work output level(e.g., 50% output level).

In some embodiments, the group lighting controller 110 may providelighting control commands based on input from one or more sensors. Forexample, in some embodiments the lighting fixtures 120A-C may all be ina single room and the group lighting controller may be coupled to anoccupancy sensor located near the door to the room. If input is receivedfrom the occupancy sensor indicating presence of one or more individualsin the room, the group lighting controller 110 may provide lightingcontrol commands to request lighting fixtures 120A-C provide lightoutput at a first output level (e.g., a full output level). If input isreceived from the occupancy sensor indicating presence of one or moreindividuals in the room within the last twenty minutes, but no presenceof one or more individuals in the room within the last ten minutes, thegroup lighting controller 110 may provide lighting control commands torequest lighting fixtures 120A-C provide light output at a second outputlevel (e.g., a 25% output level). Also, for example, in some embodimentsthe group lighting controller may be coupled to a daylight sensorlocated near one or more windows and provide sensor input indicative ofsensed light levels. The group lighting controller 110 may providelighting control commands to request lighting fixtures 120A-C providelight output at a level based on the sensed light levels (e.g., decreaselight output if sensed light level exceeds a threshold and increaselight output if sensed light level fails to exceed a threshold). In someembodiments the group lighting controller 110 may provide lightingcontrol commands based on load-shedding input (e.g., based on input froma utility company). In some embodiments the group lighting controller110 may provide lighting control commands based on input from one ormore timers. The group lighting controller 110 may utilize additionaland/or alternative inputs and/or additional and/or alternativeparameters in determining desired group lighting controller output toprovide via wiring 115. For example, the group lighting controller 110may provide group lighting control commands to lighting fixtures 120A-Cutilizing symbol tags and the lighting controllers of the lightingfixtures 120A-C may have a symbol tag interpreter as described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,354.

The first lighting fixture 120A is coupled to a first sensor 125A viafirst local connection 133A and receives first sensor values from thefirst sensor 125A. In some embodiments the connection between the firstsensor 125A and the first local connection 133A is a wired connection.In some embodiments the connection between the first sensor 125A and thefirst local connection 133A is a wireless connection. In someembodiments where lighting control commands are also provided wirelessly(e.g., a battery-less switch utilizing the EnOcean protocol), the firstgroup connection 131A and the first local connection 133A may beimplemented via a single wireless radio. The first sensor 125A islocated near the first lighting fixture 120A and positioned so as toprovide sensor values that are relevant to the area illuminated by thefirst lighting fixture 120A. In some embodiments the first sensor 125Amay be mounted on the first lighting fixture 120A or integrated with thefirst lighting fixture 120A.

The second lighting fixture 120B is electrically coupled (wired orwireless) to a second sensor 125B via second local connection 133B andreceives second sensor values from the second sensor 125B. The secondsensor 125B is located near the second lighting fixture 120B andpositioned so as to provide sensor values that are relevant to the areailluminated by the second lighting fixture 120B. In some embodiments thesecond sensor 125B may be mounted on the second lighting fixture 120B orintegrated with the second lighting fixture 120B. The third lightingfixture 120C is not connected to any local sensors.

As discussed herein, the first lighting fixture 120A controls thedimming state of a light source thereof based on the group lightingcontroller input received via first group connection 131A and inputreceived via the first local connection 133A. Also, the second lightingfixture 120B similarly controls the dimming state of a light sourcethereof based on the group lighting controller input received via secondgroup connection 131B and input received via second local connection133B. The third lighting fixture 120C does not include a localconnection and controls the dimming state of a light source thereofbased on the group lighting controller input, irrespective of localinput from a local connection. In some embodiments no sensor may beprovided with the third lighting fixture 120C due to an installationlocation of the third lighting fixture. For example, the first sensors125A and second sensor 125B may be daylight sensors and may be coupledto the first and second lighting fixtures 120A, 120B due to the firstand second lighting fixtures 120A, 120B being installed near a window.However, the third lighting fixture 120C may be located remotely from awindow and it may be determined it is unnecessary to couple a lightingsensor to third lighting fixture 120C due to its installation location.

With reference to FIG. 2, the first lighting fixture 120A includes alighting controller 130A. The lighting controller 130A receives localinput 134A. Local input 134A is indicative of the first sensor valuesreceived from first sensor 125A via first local connection 133A. In someembodiments the local input 134A is the same as the first sensor values.For example, the local connection 133A may be coupled directly to thelocal input 134A. In some embodiments the first local input 134A may beindicative of the first sensor values, but be input that is processedrelative to the first sensor values. For example, the first sensorvalues received via first lighting connection 133A may be analogsignals, the analog signals converted to digital values by an analog todigital converter, and the digital values provided as the first localinput 134A.

Group input 132A is indicative of the group lighting controller outputprovided via the wiring 115 and first group connection 131A. In someembodiments the group input 132A is the same as the group lightingcontroller output. For example, the first group connection 131A may becoupled directly to the first group input 132A. In some embodiments thefirst group input 132A may be indicative of the group lightingcontroller output, but be input that is processed relative to the grouplighting controller output. For example, the group lighting controlleroutput received via first group connection 131A may be analog signals,the analog signals converted to digital values by an analog to digitalconverter, and the digital values provided as the first group input132A. The lighting controller 130A may be implemented in an analogand/or digital manner. For example, in the case of selecting the lowestvalue among the first local input 134A and the first group input 132A,an analog implementation of the lighting controller 130A may beutilized.

The lighting controller 130A is coupled to the driver power stage 140Aand provides control commands to the driver power stage 140A. The driverpower stage 140A powers the LEDs 150A based on the received controlcommands. For example, the lighting controller 130A may provide controlcommands to the driver power stage 140A to power the LEDs 150A at 50%light output and the driver power stage 140A may adjust power outputprovided to the LEDs to achieve 50% light output. For example, thedriver power stage 140A may include one or more chopping circuits andutilize the chopping circuits to adjust the output voltage provided tothe LEDs to achieve 50% light output. In some embodiments the lightingcontroller 130A and the driver power stage 140A may be combined and forma driver of the lighting fixture 120A. For example, the lightingcontroller 130A may be a controller included in the driver of thelighting fixture 120A.

The lighting controller 130A receives the first local input 134A and thefirst group input 132A, compares the first local input 134A and thefirst group input 132A, and provides control commands to control thedimming state of the LEDs 150A based on the comparison of the firstlocal input 134A and the first group input 132A. For example, the firstgroup input 132A may indicate that the lighting fixtures 120A-C shouldprovide full light output. The lighting controller 130A may receive thefirst group input 132A and cause full light output (e.g., 100%) to beprovided via the LEDs 150A. The first sensor 125A may be a daylightsensor and the lighting controller 130A may further receive the firstlocal input 134A and adjust the light output provided by the LEDs 150Aso that a desired light level is still being achieved in the areailluminated by the lighting fixture, without unnecessarily providingover-lighting. The desired light level is generally indicative of anintended level of light, for a given setting (e.g., full outputsetting), that should collectively be provided to the area illuminatedby the lighting fixture 120A via the LEDs 150A and daylight and/or otherlight sources. The desired light level may be stored in memoryassociated with the lighting controller 130A and may optionally bedetermined utilizing auto-calibration methods such as those describedherein. The first local input 134A may be received after providing thefull light output via LEDs 150A and the received first local input 134Amay indicate that the light level sensed by the daylight sensor isgreater than a desired full light level (e.g., due to the presence ofdaylight). Based on the first local input 134A indicating a light levelthat is greater than a desired full light level, the light outputprovided via the LEDs 150A may be downwardly adjusted until the firstlocal input 134A indicates a light level that is approximately equal tothe desired full light level.

Also, for example, first local input 134A may be received beforeproviding the full light output via LEDs 150A and the received firstlocal input 134A may indicate a light level sensed by the daylightsensor. Based on the first local input 134A, the light output of theLEDs 150A may be initially adjusted to a light output that is less thanfull output, but that will collectively with daylight and/or othersources provide a light level that that is approximately equal to thedesired full light level. For example, the first local input 134A mayindicate a light level that is substantially equal to the desired fulllight level, and it may be determined that the light output of the LEDs150A do not need to be adjusted. Thus, the light output of the LEDs 150Amay be adjusted to achieve a desired light level, without unnecessarilyproviding over-lighting. Additional examples of control of the dimmingstate of the LEDs 150A based on the local input 134A and the group input132B are provided herein with respect to FIG. 3.

The lighting controller 120A may include and/or access a storagesubsystem containing programming and data constructs that provide thefunctionality of some or all of the modules described herein. Forexample, the storage subsystem may include the logic to determinelighting property adjustments for one or more LEDs based on datareceived from a group input and a local input and/or to implementlighting property adjustments in response to the data. Memory may beused in the storage subsystem of lighting controller 120A and may beaccessed by lighting controller 120A. Memory can include a number ofmemories including a main random access memory (RAM) for storage ofinstructions and data during program execution and a read only memory(ROM) in which fixed instructions are stored. A file storage subsystemcan provide persistent storage for program and data files, and mayinclude a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive along with associatedremovable media, a CD-ROM drive, an optical drive, or removable mediacartridges.

In some embodiments, lighting fixtures 120B and 120C may include similarcomponents as lighting fixture 120A. For example, lighting fixture 120Bmay include a lighting controller receiving a local input and a groupinput; a driver power stage; and LEDs. Although three lighting fixtures120A-C are illustrated in FIG. 1, one of ordinary skill in the art,having had the benefit of the present disclosure, will recognize thatonly two lighting fixtures, or more than three lighting fixtures may beprovided in some lighting systems. Moreover, alternative connectiontopologies between the group lighting controller 110 and the lightingfixtures 120A-C may be utilized. In some embodiments one or morelighting fixtures described herein may comprise several independentlighting units. For example, in retail track lighting several physicallyindependent track heads may constitute a single lighting fixture (e.g.,a single lighting controller may control the several track heads). Also,for example, in office lighting two or four directly adjacent lightingunits may constitute a single lighting fixture. Also, for example, iflight sources are embedded within building materials (e.g., concrete,ceiling foam, walls), the lighting fixture may include a local area oflight sources that are controlled in a consistent manner.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart of adjusting lighting at a lightingfixture based on a local input and a global input is provided. Otherimplementations may perform the steps in a different order, omit certainsteps, and/or perform different and/or additional steps than thoseillustrated in FIG. 3. For convenience, aspects of FIG. 3 will bedescribed with reference to one or more components of a lighting systemthat may perform the method. The components may include, for example,one or more of the components of lighting fixtures 120A and 120B of FIG.1, such as lighting controller 130A and driver power stage 150A oflighting fixture 120A (illustrated in FIG. 2) and/or similar componentsof lighting fixture 120B. Accordingly, for convenience, aspects of FIGS.1 and 2 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 3.

At step 300 local input is received that is based on a local sensor. Forexample, local input may be received by lighting controller 130A vialocal input 134A. The local input may be based on input received fromfirst sensor 125A via first local connection 133A. For example, in someembodiments the first local connection 133A may be coupled directly tothe local input 134A. In some embodiments the local sensor may be adaylight sensor and the local input may be indicative of a lightinglevel sensed by the daylight sensor. In some embodiments the localsensor may be an occupancy sensor and the local input may be indicativeof whether occupancy is detected by the occupancy sensor. In someembodiments the local sensor may be an environmental sensor such as anacoustic sensor, an electronic nose/smell sensor, a smoke sensor, and/ora CO₂ sensor. In some embodiments the local sensor may be an apparatusthat provides installation context information to a controller of alighting fixture. For example, the installation context information mayprovide an indication of the prevalent task performed in an areailluminated by the lighting fixture such as computer aided draftingwork, reading paper documents, and/or reading by elderly workers (whichmay require a higher light output due to weaker eyes). The installationcontext information may be preprogrammed or preconfigured in the localsensor and/or may be received via one or more network interfaces. Forexample, in some embodiments the local sensor may include a networkinterface (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to enable personalized control ofinstallation context information via one or more computing devices suchas a mobile computing device (e.g., smart phone, tablet) utilizing, forexample, a local control user interface such as a local control userinterface described herein.

At step 305 group input is received that is based on a group lightingcontroller output. For example, group input may be received by lightingcontroller 130A via group input 132A. In some embodiments the groupinput may be based on group lighting controller output provided by grouplighting controller 110 over wiring 115 to first group connection 131A.For example, in some embodiments the first group connection 131A may becoupled directly to the group input 132A. In some embodiments the grouplighting controller output may be based on input from a group sensor. Insome embodiments the group sensor may be a group occupancy sensorsensing occupancy at one or more locations such as an entrance to anarea containing one or more lighting fixtures to which the grouplighting controller output is provided. In some embodiments the groupsensor may be a group daylight sensor sensing lighting levels at one ormore locations such as near a window in an area containing one or morelighting fixtures to which the group lighting controller output isprovided. In some embodiments the group lighting controller output maybe based on input from other sources such as a timer and/or aload-shedding request (e.g., from a utility company or other source).

At step 310 a dimming state of a local light source is determined basedon the local input and the group input. For example, the lightingcontroller 130A may utilize the local input 134A and the group input132A to determine an appropriate dimming state of LEDs 150A. Forexample, when the group input is indicative of a dimming command, thedimming command may be compared to the local input to determine theparameters for implementing the dimming command. For example, if thegroup input is indicative of a dimming command and the local sensor is adaylight sensor, the local input may be compared to the dimming commandto determine to what extent the light output of a local light sourceneeds to be adjusted to effectuate the desired result of the dimmingcommand. For example, the local input may be consulted to determine thecurrent light level relative to a desired light level corresponding tothe dimming level indicated by the group input, and the adjustment ofthe light output of a local light source determined based on the currentlight level. For example, the group input may indicate that the lightsource should operate at a 75% light output level. A controller maydetermine that a 75% desired light level for the lighting fixture,corresponding to a 75% light output level, is 400 lux. The local inputmay indicate that the current light level is 500 lux as a result ofdaylight, other light sources, and/or the current light output of thelocal light source. Based on the indicated current light level, thelight output level of the light source may be determined in order toachieve the 75% desired light level of 400 lux. In some embodiments thedetermined light output level of the light source to achieve the 75%desired light level of 400 lux may be less than 75% of the light outputlevel due to, for example, daylight contributions.

Also, for example, the group input may indicate that the light sourceshould operate at a 75% light output level and the light output level ofthe light source may be initially adjusted to a 75% light output level.A controller may determine that a 75% desired light level for thelighting fixture is 400 lux. The local input may indicate that the lightlevel present when the light source is adjusted to a 75% light outputlevel is 500 lux as a result of daylight and/or other light sources.Based on the indicated light level, the light output level of the lightsource may be reduced until the 75% desired light level of 400 lux isachieved as determined via the local input.

Also, for example, if the group input is indicative of a dimming commandand the local sensor is an occupancy sensor, the local input may beconsulted to determine when the dimming command needs to be effectuated.For example, the local input may be consulted to determine when a useris near the lighting fixture and only implement the dimming commandindicated by the group input when it is determined that a user is nearthe lighting fixture and/or has been near the lighting fixture within athreshold period of time. For example, the group input may indicate thatthe light source should operate at a 100% light output level. Acontroller may determine via local input that at a first time no user isnear the lighting fixture and/or no user has been near the lightingfixture within a threshold time period. Based on such a determinationthe light output level of the local light source may be turned off oroperated at a reduced level (e.g., 50%) at the first time. Thecontroller may further determine via local input that at a second time auser is near the lighting fixture and, based on such a determination,the light output level of the local light source may be operated at the100% light output level requested by the group input at the second timeand for a determined amount of time thereafter.

In some embodiments, determining a dimming state of a local light sourcebased on the local input and the group input may comprise determiningthe lower level dimming state between the dimming state indicated by thegroup input and the dimming state indicated by the local input. Forexample, if the group input indicates a 75% dimming state is desired andthe local input indicates a 50% dimming state is desired, the 50%dimming state will be determined.

One of ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the presentdisclosure, will recognize and appreciate that additional and/oralternative methods for determining a dimming state of a local lightsource based on the local input and the group input may be implemented.For example, the dimming state may be determined based on averaging theappropriate dimming state of the light source as indicated by the groupinput and the appropriate dimming state of the light source as indicatedby the local input. For example, if the group input indicates a lightoutput level of 75% and the local input indicates that a light outputlevel of 50% is sufficient, the light output level of the light sourcemay be determined to be 62.5%. In some implementations any average maybe a weighted average (e.g., more heavily weighting either the groupinput or the local input).

At step 315, the dimming state of a local light source is controlledbased on the determined dimming state. For example, the lightingcontroller 130A may provide control commands to the driver power stage140A to enable the driver power stage 140A to drive the LEDs 150A at thedimming state determined at step 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of determiningwhether to control the dimming state of a local light source based onthe local input or based solely on the group input. Otherimplementations may perform the steps in a different order, omit certainsteps, and/or perform different and/or additional steps than thoseillustrated in FIG. 4. For convenience, aspects of FIG. 4 will bedescribed with reference to one or more components of a lighting systemthat may perform the method. The components may include, for example,one or more of the components of lighting fixtures 120A and 120B of FIG.1, such as lighting controller 130A and driver power stage 150A oflighting fixture 120A (illustrated in FIG. 2) and/or similar componentsof lighting fixture 120B. Accordingly, for convenience, aspects of FIGS.1 and 2 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 4.

At step 400, it is determined if the group input is indicative of anoverride situation. An override situation may be a situation in which itis desired that only the group input be utilized in determining anappropriate dimming state. Override situations may include, for example,emergency situations, cleaning situations, maintenance situations,calibration situations, or other situations. An override situation maybe indicated via the group lighting controller output. For example, thegroup lighting controller output may include data that indicates anoverride situation and the lighting controller 130A may determine suchoverride situation based on group input 132A. For example, when thegroup lighting controller output includes phase-cutting of a powerwave-form, one or more phase-cutting sequences may be indicative of anoverride situation. If the group input is indicative of an overridesituation, then the dimming state of the local light source isdetermined based solely on the group input at step 404. For example, thegroup input may include data indicative of an override situation, thenindicate that the light output level of all light sources should beoperated at a 100% light output level. The dimming state of the locallight source may then be set to 100% light output level at step 404. Insome embodiments an override situation may be triggered if the lightingcontroller 130A receives no group input 132A. For example, the lightingcontroller 130A may enter a standalone mode (e.g., operate according topredetermined local configuration) and/or automatically provide fulllight output in the override situation.

If the group input is not indicative of an override situation, then atstep 401 it is determined if the local input indicates that dimminglevels based on the group input should be adjusted. For example, if thegroup input indicates that a 100% light output level should beimplemented, but local input indicates that a significant amount ofdaylight is present near the light source, then it may be determinedthat the dimming level based on the group input should be downwardlyadjusted to prevent over-lighting. Also, for example, if the group inputindicates that a 100% light output level should be implemented, butlocal input indicates that users are not currently present near thelight source and have not been present near the light source for atleast a threshold period of time, then it may be determined that thedimming level based on the group input should be downwardly adjusted toprevent over-lighting. Also, for example, if the group input indicatesthat a 100% light output level should be implemented, and local inputindicates that no daylight or other light source is contributinglighting near the light source, then it may be determined that thedimming level based on the group input does not need to be adjusted.Also, for example, if the group input indicates that a 100% light outputlevel should be implemented, and local input indicates that users arecurrently present near the light source, then it may be determined thatthe dimming level based on the group input does not need to be adjusted.If the local input does not indicate that the dimming levels based onthe group input should be adjusted, then the dimming state of the locallight source is determined based solely on the group input at step 404.If the local input does indicate that the dimming levels based on thegroup input should be adjusted, then the dimming state of the locallight source is determined based on the local input at step 403.

In some embodiments, one or more lighting fixtures may be configured toignore the group input in one or more situations and control the dimmingstate of the local light source based solely on the local input duringthose situations. For example, architectural lighting fixtures, such asarchitectural lighting fixtures utilized for wall-washing applications,may be configured to ignore the group input in all situations andcontrol the dimming state based solely on the local input. For example,an architectural lighting fixture may have a local sensor that providesinstallation context information indicating the lighting fixture shouldremain at a given light output (e.g., full light output) regardless ofthe dimming level indicated by a group input. Also, for example, anarchitectural lighting fixture may have a local sensor that providesinstallation context information indicating the lighting fixture shouldremain at a given light output (e.g., 80% light output) at all dimminglevels indicated by a group input, unless the dimming level indicates anoverride situation (e.g., in an override situation the light output maybe increased to 100% light output). Also, for example, an architecturallighting fixture may have a local sensor that includes a daylight sensorand provides installation context information indicating the lightingfixture should increase light output in response to increased lightoutput sensed via the daylight sensor and that the lighting fixtureshould utilize whichever of the local input and the group inputindicates a higher level of light output. Thus, when the local input isindicative of a dimming level that produces more light output than adimming level indicated by the group input, the local input may beutilized.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of auto-calibratinga lighting fixture to determine a desired light level for the lightingfixture. Other implementations may perform the steps in a differentorder, omit certain steps, and/or perform different and/or additionalsteps than those illustrated in FIG. 5. For convenience, aspects of FIG.5 will be described with reference to one or more components of alighting system that may perform the method. The components may include,for example, one or more of the components of lighting fixtures 120A and120B of FIG. 1, such as lighting controller 130A of lighting fixture120A (illustrated in FIG. 2) and/or similar components of lightingfixture 120B. Accordingly, for convenience, aspects of FIGS. 1 and 2will be described in conjunction with FIG. 5.

At step 500 an auto-calibration trigger is identified. In someembodiments the auto-calibration trigger may include connection of adaylight sensor to a lighting fixture. For example, the auto-calibrationtrigger for the first lighting fixture 120A may be the connection of thefirst sensor 125A when the first sensor 125A is a daylight sensor. Insome embodiments the lighting controller 130A recognizes connection ofthe first sensor 125A and enters an auto-calibration state in response.In some embodiments the first sensor 125A sends commands to the lightingcontroller 130A to place the controller 130A into an auto-calibrationstate. In some embodiments the auto-calibration trigger may be userinteraction with a user interface element such as a reset button orauto-calibration button coupled to the lighting controller 130A. In someembodiments the auto-calibration trigger may be an auto-calibrationcommand sent via the group lighting controller output and received atthe lighting fixture. Additional and/or alternative auto-calibrationtriggers may be utilized.

At step 505 the dimming state of a local light source is set to anauto-calibration level for a time period. For example, the dimming stateof the LEDs 150A may be set to a 100% light output level for atwenty-four hour time period. Also, for example, the dimming state ofthe LEDs 150A may be set to a 100% light output level for one or moretimes during which it is unlikely that daylight will be present (e.g.,midnight). During the time-period the dimming state of the local lightsource may be maintained, optionally disregarding any dimming commandsvia the group lighting controller output.

At step 510, local daylight input is received from a local daylightsensor during the time period. For example, the lighting controller 130Amay receive daylight sensor data from the first sensor 125A when thefirst sensor 125A is a daylight sensor. For example, when the timeperiod is a twenty-four hour time period, local daylight input may bereceived at certain intervals during the twenty-four hour time period(e.g., every 10 minutes). Also, for example, when the time period is oneor more times during which it is unlikely that daylight will be present,sensor data may be received during one or more portions of such timeperiods.

At step 515, a desired light level is determined based on the localdaylight sensor input received at step 510. For example, when the timeperiod is a twenty-four hour time period, the desired light level may bebased on the minimum light level indicated by the local daylight inputreceived at step 510, optionally accounting for outliers. This assumesthat at the minimum recorded light level, no daylight contribution tothe light level is present. Also, for example, when the time period is atwenty-four hour time period, the desired light level may be based on anaverage of the X lowest light levels indicated by the local daylightinput received at step 510, optionally accounting for outliers. Also,for example, when the time period is one or more times during which itis unlikely that daylight will be present, the desired light level maybe based on one or more of the light levels indicated by the localdaylight input received at step 510, optionally accounting for outliers.For example, the desired light level may be based on an average of Xlight levels received during the times during which it is unlikely thatdaylight will be present.

In some embodiments, in determining a desired light level, knowledge ofthe present maximum light level of the lighting fixture may be utilized.For example, the present maximum light level of the lighting fixture maybe utilized to ignore one or more local daylight sensor inputs receivedat step 510 in determining a desired light level. For example, despitesignals from the daylight sensor indicating a desire for 100% lightoutput, the lighting fixture may provide less than 100% light output atone or more times due, for example, to received group dimming commandsthat dictate a less than 100% light output level. Sensor inputs receivedduring such one or more times may optionally be ignored and/or adjustedin determining a desired light level.

In some embodiments, one or more steps of FIG. 5 may be performed by thelocal daylight sensor itself, without involvement of a separate lightingcontroller. For example, if the local input 134A of lighting controller130A is a single directional interface such as an interface receiving0-10V signals indicative of desired dimming, bi-directional informationexchange regarding the present dimming level between the daylight sensorand the lighting controller may be prohibited. In such a situation, thedaylight sensor might wrongly assume that the lighting fixture is atfull light output (e.g., 500 lux), when the daylight sensor requestsfull light output from a lighting controller (e.g., by providing a 10Vsignal). In reality, however, the actual light output of the lightingfixture may be less than full light output (e.g., 300 lux) due, forexample, to a dimming request received via a group input of the lightingfixture. Accordingly, in some embodiments the daylight sensor maydetermine the maximum light level presently allowed by the group input.The maximum light level presently allowed by the group input may bedetermined by the daylight sensor via gradually increasing the lightoutput level requested by the daylight sensor (e.g., graduallyincreasing the 0-10V signal provided by the daylight sensor to the localinput of the lighting fixture) and sensing the light output level duringthe gradual increasing of the requested light output level. When it isdetermined that the light output level sensed by the daylight sensorstops increasing in response to requested increases in the light outputlevel by the daylight sensor, the daylight sensor may utilize suchoccurrence to determine the maximum light level allowed by the groupinput. As an example, assume the daylight sensor provides 0-10V signalsindicative of desired dimming levels, with 0V being indicative of thegreatest degree of dimming (least amount of light output) and 10V beingindicative of the smallest degree of dimming (greatest amount of lightoutput). The daylight sensor may gradually increase the signal from 0Vand monitor the light output until it detects the light output is nolonger changing. For example, the daylight sensor may detect a stall inthe changing of the light output at a signal of 5V. Based on suchdetermination, the maximum light output level allowed by the group inputmay be determined. For example, it may be determined that the grouplight output level is at 50% light output level, thereby explaining thefailure of the lighting fixture to increase the light output levelbeyond a provided signal of 5V. In some embodiments the present maximumlight level of the lighting fixture may be utilized to ignore one ormore local daylight sensor inputs received at step 510 in determining adesired light level.

In some embodiments, additional inputs may be utilized to determine adesired light level. For example, the targeted task-area lux-level ofthe lighting fixture design may be indicated via late stageconfiguration of the lighting fixture and utilized in determining adesired light level.

The desired light level is generally indicative of an intended level oflight that should collectively be provided to the area illuminated by alighting fixture via the light source of the lighting fixture anddaylight and/or other light sources, at a given light output level ofthe lighting fixture. For example, when the auto-calibration level ofthe light source at step 505 is 100%, the desired light level determinedat step 515 may indicate the intended level of light that should beprovided by the light source when it is at a 100% light output level andno other light contributions are present. The desired light level may beutilized as a reference point to adjust the light output level of thelight source as described herein to prevent over-lighting by the lightsource. For example, if a desired light level of the light source whenit is at 100% light output is 500 lux, and a daylight sensor readingindicates that a light level of 600 lux is present when the light sourceis at 100% light output (e.g., due to daylight), the light output of thelight source may be reduced below 100% light output, while stillmaintaining the desired light level. In some implementations desiredlight levels corresponding to less than 100% light output of a lightsource may be determined. For example, steps 500-515 may be performedwith an auto-calibration level at less than 100% light output. Also, forexample, the desired light level at 100% light output may be utilized todetermine light levels at less than 100% light output. For example, thedesired light level at 50% light output may be determined to be 50% ofthe desired light level at 100% light output. Any determined desiredlight level may be stored in memory associated with a lightingcontroller such as lighting controller 130A and may optionally beutilized in one or more methods and/or apparatus described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example method of utilizing aconfiguration tool to implement configuration commands. Otherimplementations may perform the steps in a different order, omit certainsteps, and/or perform different and/or additional steps than thoseillustrated in FIG. 6. For convenience, aspects of FIG. 6 will bedescribed with reference to one or more components of a lighting systemthat may perform the method. The components may include, for example,one or more of the components of lighting fixtures 120A and 120B of FIG.1, such as lighting controller 130A and driver power stage 150A oflighting fixture 120A (illustrated in FIG. 2) and/or similar componentsof lighting fixture 120B. Accordingly, for convenience, aspects of FIGS.1 and 2 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 6.

At step 600, power is received at a local lighting controller from aconfiguration tool electrically coupled to the local lightingcontroller. For example, a configuration tool having a power source maybe coupled to the lighting controller 130A and may supply power to thelighting controller 130A to implement configuration commands associatedwith the lighting controller 130A. This may enable configuration of thelighting controller 130A without necessitating the lighting controller130A be powered via mains power. In some embodiments the configurationtool may be coupled to the local input 134A (without the first sensor125A also being coupled thereto) and/or the group input 132A (withoutthe wiring 115 coupled thereto). In some embodiments the configurationtool may be a mobile computing device such as, for example, a mobilephone (e.g., a smart phone), a tablet computing device, and/or awearable computing device (e.g., a wearable watch computing device). Adongle may be utilized that enables wired connection to the mobilecomputing device (e.g., micro USB) and enables connection to thelighting controller 130A (e.g., via an interface similar to an interfaceutilized by first sensor 125A).

At step 605, communication with the configuration tool is established.For example, the lighting controller 120A may establish a connectionwith the configuration tool. In some embodiments a connection may beestablished in response to a user action with the configuration tool. Insome embodiments authentication may be required to establish connectionbetween the configuration tool and the lighting controller. For example,only certain configuration tools may be identified as authenticated toestablish connection with the lighting controller. Also, for example, auser may be required to provide authentication information such as ausername and/or password. Additional and/or alternative forms of userand/or mobile computing device authentication may be utilized.

At step 610, configuration commands are received from the configurationtool. For example, configuration commands may include indication ofdesired light levels for the lighting fixture in which the lightingcontroller is implemented. For example, a readable code such as a barcode and/or QR label attached to the lighting fixture and/or packagingof the lighting fixture may be indicative of a desired light level ofthe lighting fixture. A camera of the configuration tool may be utilizedto read the QR label and determine the desired light level of thelighting fixture based on the QR label. The configuration tool mayutilize the determined desired light level to provide configurationcommands to the lighting controller to set the desired light level.Additional and/or alternative configuration commands may be receivedfrom the configuration tool. For example, a lighting fixture profile maybe set via the configuration tool, max-power capping of the lightingfixture may be set via the configuration tool, firmware of the lightingcontroller may be updated via the configuration tool, and/or override ofone or more features may be accomplished via the configuration tool. Forexample, the configuration tool may be used to disable occupancy sensingfeatures for lighting fixtures located close to a frequently utilizedwalkway to prevent annoying frequent switching on/off of the lightingfixture. Also, for example, daylight sensing might be disabled for oneor more lighting fixtures in areas where accurate daylight sensing isnot possible (e.g., a large class table changing greatly in reflectivitydepending on the amount of paper lying on the table).

In some embodiments, data provided by the lighting controller 120A tothe mobile configuration tool may be utilized by the configuration toolto initiate a configuration application on the configuration tool. Forexample, the lighting controller 120A may send configuration applicationprogram data that itself may include code to be executed by theconfiguration tool to execute the configuration application on theconfiguration tool. Also, for example, the lighting controller 120A maysend configuration application location data that may be utilized by theconfiguration tool to execute the configuration application on theconfiguration tool and/or access the configuration application via theconfiguration tool. For example, an Internet address may be providedfrom which configuration application code may be received and executedon the configuration tool. Also, for example, an Internet address may beprovided that the configuration tool may utilize to access theconfiguration application. For example, the configuration applicationmay execute on a remote computing device and the configuration tool mayaccess the configuration application via a web browser of theconfiguration tool to enable use of the configuration application. Insome embodiments, in order for the configuration tool to gain access tothe lighting controller 130A, a security feature may include that onlyconfiguration tools with access to a local secure Wi-Fi network areallowed (e.g., by requiring that the communication with theconfiguration tool occur via the local secure Wi-Fi network).

At step 615, the configuration commands received at step 610 areimplemented. For example, configuration commands may be utilized toupdate firmware of lighting controller 130A and/or may be stored inmemory by the lighting controller 130A. For example, when the controlcommands include indication of a desired light level, the desired lightlevel may be stored in memory by the lighting controller as describedherein.

In some embodiments, when a lighting fixture includes a sensor that is adaylight sensor, the daylight sensor may optionally be utilized toprovide configuration commands to the lighting controller. For example,a laser or other lighting device may be utilized to apply ahigh-brightness level of light output directly to the daylight sensor.The daylight sensor and/or the lighting controller may recognize suchhigh-brightness condition as a configuration command input. For example,a laser from a laser pointer may be pointed at the daylight sensor and alighting controller receiving sensor values from the lighting sensor mayrecognize this high-brightness level of configuration input indicatingthat light output adjustments based on local input should be overridden(e.g., just when the laser is actively on the daylight sensor, for adetermined time period, and/or until the laser is removed from thedaylight sensor and placed back on the daylight sensor). Also, forexample, a laser from a laser pointer may be pointed at the daylightsensor to toggle between defined intelligent lighting fixture profiles(e.g., corridor mode, window mode, emergency exit mode, cleaning mode).For example, each time the laser is applied and removed from thedaylight sensor the lighting controller will determine correspondinginput received from the daylight sensor is indicative of a desire totoggle to a new lighting fixture profile. Also, for example, a laserfrom a laser pointer may be pointed at the daylight sensor to set adesired maximum light output level. For example, when the laser isapplied the lighting controller will gradually cause the light outputlevel of the light source controlled thereby to be adjusted. The usermay remove the laser when the desired light output level is achieved andthe desired light output level may be utilized as the maximum lightoutput level. A user may utilize a light sensor while setting themaximum light output level of the lighting fixture to ensure the maximumlight output level does not exceed a maximum desired light output level,such as a regulatory lux limit.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims between parentheses areprovided merely for convenience in line with European patent practiceand should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively.

1. A method of adjusting lighting at a lighting fixture based on a localinput and a global input, comprising: receiving local input indicativeof one of light levels near a lighting fixture, occupancy status nearthe lighting fixture, and environmental conditions near the lightingfixture; receiving group input, the group input utilizing manipulationof mains power powering the lighting fixture to indicate a dimming levelto control the dimming state of the lighting fixture and at least oneadditional lighting fixture; and determining the dimming state of alight source of the lighting fixture based on the group input and thelocal input.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the local input isindicative of light levels near the lighting fixture and wherein thegroup input is responsive to a group occupancy sensor.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the local input is indicative of occupancy status nearthe lighting fixture and wherein the group input is responsive to agroup daylight sensor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the local inputconsists of sensor values received from at least one of a daylightsensor and an occupancy sensor.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thedimming state of the light source is controlled based on the local inputwhen the local input is indicative of a dimming level that produces lesslight from the light source than the dimming level indicated by thegroup input.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the dimming state of thelight source is controlled based on the local input when the local inputis indicative of a dimming level that produces more light from the lightsource than the dimming level indicated by the group input.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the local input is indicative of light levelsnear the lighting fixture and further comprising: during anauto-calibration state, maintaining the dimming state of the lightsource at an auto-calibration level and determining a desired lightlevel near the lighting fixture, the desired light level being utilizedin the determining of the dimming state of the light source.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising: during the auto-calibrationstate, determining a minimum local input value from the local input overa time period; and determining the desired light level based on aminimum first local input value, the minimum first local input valueindicative of a minimum light level indicated by first sensor values. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein said time period is at least twelvehours.
 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: during theauto-calibration state, determining a first local input value from thelocal input at one or more times likely to have no natural light anddetermining the desired light level based on the first local inputvalue.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein said auto-calibration level isa full light output level.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein saidmanipulation of the mains power includes phase-cutting of the mainspower.